In order to be recommended for a preliminary teaching credential at the end of the school year, candidates must meet subject matter competency. In the summer of 2021, California passed legislation allowing aspiring teachers to use relevant collegiate-level coursework to meet these requirements, creating new pathways outside of standardized credential testing. For additional context around this shift, please consult the CTC Press Release. 

In the summer of 2024, California passed legislation that allows aspiring teachers to meet the Basic Skills Requirement if they possess a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university, which means Alder candidates no longer need to take CBEST or meet BSR. For more information, please see this CTC Press Release. 

We urge candidates in all stages of the application and enrollment process to review the guidelines below. Alder’s Credentials Department will review your transcripts for Subject Matter upon your admission to the program. In the meantime, the guidelines will give you an idea if you need to start testing or not.